Erie County Comptroller Mark C. Poloncarz announced that payments for Erie County park shelters and camping sites and annual golf passes for the County's two golf courses can now be made electronically at the Erie County Department of Parks, Recreation and Forestry's ("Parks") website (www.erie.gov/parks) using a credit card. This service is the result of a collaborative effort between the Comptroller's Office and Parks.

Comptroller Poloncarz said, "Just in time for the warm weather season, Erie County residents can easily and securely pay online for their park shelter and camp site reservations or annual golf passes. This enhanced service is another example of the Comptroller's Office's collaboration with County departments and application of the latest financial transaction technology which benefits County residents."

To determine availability of a park shelter or camping site, a requester can access, complete and submit an electronic shelter reservation application through the Parks' website, call the department at 858-8355 or submit a completed print version of the shelter reservation application in person or via the mail.

After this step, Parks will review the request and issue a reservation permit to the requester confirming that the reservation is secure. Upon receipt of the confirmation, the requester can visit Parks' website to pay online for the reservation using a credit card.

To purchase an annual golf pass, a requester can select a County course by reviewing the department's online Golf Application and Renewal Form or by calling Parks at 858-8355. Upon selection, the requester can use a credit card to pay the applicable amount through the department's online payment section.

Online credit card payments will be assessed a nominal convenience fee. Any fee amount is displayed on the payment verification screen, and requesters have the option to cancel payment before the fee is charged.